Adjustable head-mounted display to accommodate different head and face sizes

ABSTRACT

A head-mounted display (HMD) includes various features that allow for customizing the HMD to different users. The HMD may include an interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment mechanism that includes a double biasing assembly for smooth, controlled adjustment of the spacing between lens tubes. The HMD may include a field of view (FOV) adjustment mechanism that includes first and second gear assemblies connected via a connecting rod to allow uniform adjustment of the spacing between the lenses and the user&#39;s face. The HMD may further include a swappable face gasket, a swappable visor, a removable head strap, and a modular accessory compartment for further customizations to the HMD. The HMD may further include inconspicuous spectrum-transmissive windows that are made with a spectrum-transmissive base material for the HMD housing that is coated with a spectrum-opaque material, and the spectrum-opaque material is selectively removed to create the spectrum-transmissive windows.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. patent application is a continuation of and claims priority toco-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/850,426, entitled “ADJUSTABLE HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAY TO ACCOMMODATEDIFFERENT HEAD AND FACE SIZES,” and filed on Apr. 16, 2020, which claimspriority to commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 62/837,662, filed Apr. 23, 2019. Application Ser. Nos. 62/837,662and 16/850,426 are fully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Head-mounted displays are used in various fields, including engineering,medical, military, and video gaming. In some instances, head-mounteddisplays may present information or images to a user as part of avirtual reality or augmented reality environment. As an example, whileplaying a video game, a user may wear a head-mounted display to immersethe user within a virtual environment.

Conventional head-mounted displays provide inadequate or no adjustmentto accommodate differing head sizes, face shapes, and eye spacings. As aresult, some users may find it difficult to enjoyably wear head-mounteddisplays. For instance, if the lens tubes are horizontally misalignedwith the user's eyes, a scene presented on the head-mounted display mayonly be partially visible to the user. If the display panels are tooclose or too far from the use's eyes, the user's field of view (FOV) maynot be optimized. Conventional head-mounted displays may therefore beunable to accommodate different users. Head-mounted displays that areadjustable tend to be difficult and/or inconvenient to adjust by virtueof crude adjustment mechanisms, and they do not provide an optimizedlevel of comfort, leaving the user frustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Thesame, or like, reference numbers in different figures indicate similaror identical items.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an example head-mounteddisplay (HMD) with a visor shown exploded from the HMD to reveal amodular accessory compartment, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a front portion of theHMD of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a rear perspective view of the example HMD of FIG. 1in a configuration where a head strap of the HMD is attached to a mainunit of the HMD, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates the example HMD shown in FIG. 3A in a configurationwhere the head strap has been removed from the HMD.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the main unit of anexample HMD of FIG. 1 with a face gasket decoupled from the main unit,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a partial front and bottom view of the example HMDof FIG. 1 with a front portion of the HMD housing removed to revealcomponents of an interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment mechanism, theIPD adjustment mechanism being adjusted to a first end of an adjustmentrange in FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates the example HMD shown in FIG. 5A, but with the IPDadjustment mechanism adjusted to a second end of an adjustment range inFIG. 5B.

FIG. 6A illustrates a partial rear and bottom view of the example HMD ofFIG. 1 , the lens tubes being spaced apart a maximum distance of the IPDadjustment range in FIG. 6A, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates the example HMD shown in FIG. 6A, but with the lenstubes spaced apart a minimum distance of the IPD adjustment range inFIG. 6B.

FIG. 7A illustrates a partial front perspective view of the example HMDof FIG. 1 with a portion of the HMD housing removed to reveal componentsof a field of view (FOV) adjustment mechanism, the FOV adjustmentmechanism being adjusted to a first end of an adjustment range in FIG.7A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates the example HMD shown in FIG. 7A, but with the FOVadjustment mechanism adjusted to a second end of the adjustment range inFIG. 7B.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of the example HMD of FIG. 1, FIG. 8 depicting example locations of inconspicuousspectrum-transmissive windows in the housing of the HMD, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example process for manufacturing a housingof a HMD having at least one spectrum-transmissive window, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As mentioned above, head-mounted displays (HMDs) have a wide range ofapplications and, in some instances, may need to accommodate for varyinghead sizes, face shapes, and eye spacings among different users.Conventional HMDs, however, offer little to no adjustment to adapt todifferent users. For instance, in conventional HMDs, the distancebetween the lens tubes may be fixed, or, if adjustable, the adjustmentmechanism may be difficult or inconvenient to operate, especially whilewearing the HMD. In conventional HMDs, the distance between the user'sface and the display panels (or lenses) may also be fixed, or, ifadjustable, the adjustment mechanism may be difficult or clunky tooperate, especially while wearing the HMD.

Described herein are, among other things, techniques and systems,including a HMD, for adjusting the spacing between a pair of lens tubesof the HMD to accommodate users of varying interpupillary distances(IPDs). For example, a HMD may comprise a rod coupled to a midframe ofthe HMD, a pair of lens tubes coupled to the rod (e.g., via a pair ofmovable frames that are coupled to the pair of lens tubes), each lenstube/movable frame being movable bidirectionally along the rod (e.g., ina first direction toward a left side of the HMD or in a second directiontoward a right side of the HMD). The HMD may also include an actuatoraccessible from outside of a housing of the HMD, as well as a movableelongate member coupled to the actuator and to the midframe. A firstbiasing member coupled to the movable elongate member and to themidframe is configured to resist movement of the movable elongate memberin a direction of travel of the elongate member. A rotatable gearcoupled to the midframe and disposed between the pair of lenstubes/movable frames is engaged with the movable elongate member, and apair of second biasing members coupled to the rod are configured tophysically bias the pair of lens tubes/movable frames towards therotatable gear (e.g., by physically biasing the pair of movable framesagainst a pair of spiral projections extending from a face of therotatable gear).

Also described herein are, among other things, techniques and systems,including a HMD, for adjusting the spacing between the user's face andthe lenses of the HMD to adjust the field of view (FOV) and/or the eyerelief to accommodate different users. For example, a HMD may comprise apair of lens assemblies coupled to a first portion of the HMD. Anactuator disposed on a first side of the HMD may be accessible fromoutside of a housing of the HMD, and a pair of gear assemblies disposedon opposite sides of the HMD may be connected by a connecting rod andcoupled to a second portion of the HMD that is movable relative to thefirst portion of the HMD. One of the gear assemblies of the pair of gearassemblies is disposed on the first side and coupled to the actuatorsuch that actuation of the actuator causes the pair of gear assembliesto move the second portion of the HMD relative to the first portion ofthe HMD.

Also described herein are, among other things, an electronic device(e.g., a HMD) having a housing made of a spectrum-transmissive materialconfigured to allow electromagnetic radiation of a specific spectrum topass therethrough. An outer surface of the housing may be coated with aspectrum-opaque material that is configured to block the electromagneticradiation of the specific spectrum, and one or more locations on theouter surface are devoid of the spectrum-opaque material to provide oneor more spectrum-transmissive windows on the housing. One or morespectrum-specific components (e.g., sensors, beacons, etc.) can bedisposed inside the housing behind the one or more spectrum-transmissivewindows.

A process for manufacturing an electronic device (e.g., a HMD) having atleast one window that allows electromagnetic radiation in a specificspectrum to pass through the at least one window may include forming ahousing for the electronic device out of a first material that isconfigured to allow the electromagnetic radiation in the specificspectrum to pass therethrough, painting an outer surface of the housingwith a second material that is configured to block the electromagneticradiation in the specific spectrum, and removing the second materialfrom at least one location on the outer surface to create the at leastone window. In some embodiments, the specific spectrum is the IRspectrum.

The present disclosure provides an overall understanding of theprinciples of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of thesystems and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of thepresent disclosure are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Thoseof ordinary skill in the art will understand that the systems andmethods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The featuresillustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may becombined with the features of other embodiments, including as betweensystems and methods. Such modifications and variations are intended tobe included within the scope of the appended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an example head-mounteddisplay (HMD) 100 (sometimes referred to herein as a “wearable display,”a “VR headset,” an “AR headset,” or a “headset”) with a visor 106 shownexploded from the HMD 100 to reveal a modular accessory compartment 102.The HMD 100 may include a front portion (or main unit) that ispositioned in front or over the eyes of the user to render images outputby an application (e.g., a video game). In some instances, theapplication may execute on a computing device (e.g., a personal computer(PC), game console, etc.) associated with and/or communicatively coupledto the HMD 100. In some instances, the HMD 100 may not rely on anexternal computing device and may execute an application and rendercorresponding images using on-board components (e.g., logic, hardware,memory, processors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs), graphicsprocessing units (GPUs), etc.), batteries, and so forth). The HMD 100may be configured to output a series of images (frames) viewed by theuser through optics within the HMD 100, making the user perceive theimages as if immersed in a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality(AR) environment.

The HMD 100 may include a visor 106 that is swappable, orinterchangeable, with other types of visors. The visor 106 may be of acustomized shape, a customized material, and/or the visor 106 mayinclude customized artwork (e.g., colorings, stickers, markings, holes,surface features, etc.). A user can interchange the visor 106 with adifferent visor to change the look or appearance of the HMD 100 on thefront of the HMD 100. A different user that uses the HMD 100 may havehis/her own customized visor 106 such that, and this user may remove anexisting visor 106 and replace the existing visor 106 with his/her own,customized visor. The visor 106 may be removably attached to a front ofthe HMD 100 in any suitable manner, such as by a magnetic couplingmechanism(s) (e.g., magnets on the front of the HMD 100 that couple tocorresponding magnets on the visor 106), a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g.,Velcro®), pins, screws, hooks, a snap/press fit mechanism, adhesive, orany suitable type of fastener.

The visor 106, when attached to the HMD 100, may cover a compartment 102(sometimes referred to herein as a “modular accessor compartment 102”).The compartment 102 may be any suitable shape. FIG. 1 depicts arectangular compartment 102 that is recessed a distance into the frontof the HMD 100. The compartment 102 may include a port 104, such as auniversal serial bus (USB) port 104, that is electrically connected tocomponents of a printed circuit board (PCB) within the housing of theHMD 100. The port 104 may allow a user to connect modular accessories tothe HMD 100 to provide further customization to users of the HMD 100.For example, a light(s) (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) may beconnected to the port 104 so that power can be supplied to the lights toturn on the lights. These lights could be disposed in the compartment102 behind visor 106, which may be made of optically transparentmaterial (e.g., clear or tinted plastic) to provide a customizedlighting effect to the HMD 100. The visor 106 may be any suitable color,and when the visor 106 covers lights within the compartment 106 that areconnected via the port 104, the visor 106 may illuminate to provide acustomized visual appearance. In some embodiments, a display (e.g., aliquid crystal display (LCD)) can be connected to the port 104 anddisposed within the compartment 102 to render images on the displaywhile the HMD 100 is worn by a user. In other scenarios, an auxiliarycamera(s) can be connected to the port 104 and disposed in thecompartment 102. In some embodiments, auxiliary and/or backup computeresources (e.g., processing, storage, power, etc.) can be connected viathe port 104 to enhance the processing power, the storage capacity,and/or the battery life of the HMD 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a front portion of theHMD 100 of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 2 , the HMD 100 may include one or morefront-facing cameras 200(1) and/or 200(2). FIG. 2 depicts an embodimentwith two front-facing cameras 200 including a first camera 200(1) and asecond camera 200(2), but any suitable number of front-facing cameras200 can be utilized. The front-facing cameras 200 can be used for anysuitable purpose, such as optical tracking, pass-through imaging (e.g.,projecting images of a real-world environment on the HMD 100, such as byprojecting real-world imagery atop a VR scene), obstacle detection(e.g., detecting objects in the real-world environment and possiblywarning the user of a potential collision with such objects), recordingvideo of the environment during gameplay, etc. The front-facingcamera(s) 200 can be located at any suitable location on the HMD 100,such as on the front of the HMD 100 towards the bottom of the HMD 100(e.g., in the bottom half of the HMD 100), as shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 3A illustrates a rear perspective view of the example HMD 100 ofFIG. 1 in a configuration where a head strap 300 of the HMD 100 isattached to a main unit 302 of the HMD 100, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure. FIG. 3B illustrates the example HMD 100 shownin FIG. 3A, except in a configuration where the head strap 300 has beenremoved from the main unit 302 of the HMD 100. The head strap 300 may beremoved, such as to swap, or interchange, the head strap 300 with adifferent head strap 300. Extended periods of use of the HMD 100 mayresult in the material of certain portions of the head strap 300absorbing bodily odors, and, as a result, a user may wish to remove thehead strap 300 at times, such as to “air out” the head strap 300, toclean the head strap 300, to replace the head strap 300 with a new headstrap. In some cases, a user may wish to interchange, or swap, the headstrap 300 with a different type of head strap (e.g., one with differentfeatures, such as different headphones, different adjustment mechanisms,etc.). This provides further customization of the HMD 100 for differentusers.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the head strap 300 may be removed by removing anactuator 304 (e.g., a rotatable knob) located on a side of the HMD 100to access one or more screws 310(1), or similar fasteners. The removalof the actuator 304 may be accomplished in any suitable manner, such asby forcibly pulling outward on the actuator 304 to remove the actuator304 from a mounting pin 308(1). The mounting pin 308(1) may be insertedthrough a main aperture in a portion of the head strap 300, while theone or more screws 310(1) may be screwed into one or more correspondingapertures 306(1) in the portion of the head strap 300 to secure the headstrap 300 to the main unit 302. A user can unscrew the screw(s) 310(1),and then slide the portion of the head strap 300 off of the mounting pin308(1) to remove one side of the head strap 300 from a correspondingside of the main unit 302. On the opposite side of the main unit 302,there may be one or more screws (e.g., similar to the screws 310(1))that are screwed into one or more corresponding apertures 306(2) inanother portion of the head strap 300 in order to secure the head strap300 to the main unit 302 on the opposite side of the main unit 302. Auser can unscrew those screws on the opposite side of the main unit 302to remove the other side of the head strap 300, and, thus, the entirehead strap 300, from the main unit 302. FIG. 3B also shows a belt loop312 at a top of the main unit 302 of the HMD 100 that is configured toreceive a top member of the head strap 300 by looping the top member ofthe head strap 300 through the belt loop 312 and securing the top memberof the head strap 300 to itself. The securing mechanism of the topmember of the head strap 300 may be any suitable mechanism, such ahook-and-loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®), snaps, etc. In this manner, thehead strap 300 is removable, and may be reattached at will by the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the main unit 302 of anexample HMD 100 of FIG. 1 with a face gasket 400 decoupled from the mainunit 302, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The facegasket 400 may be removably attached to the main unit 302 of the HMD 100in any suitable manner, such as by a magnetic coupling mechanism, ahook-and-loop fastener(s) (e.g., Velcro®), pins, screws, hooks, asnap/press fit mechanism, adhesive, or any suitable type of fastener.FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment where a magnetic coupling mechanism(s) isused to removably couple the face gasket 400 to the main unit 302. Forexample, a plurality of first magnetic elements 402(1)-(4) (e.g., metalscrews) disposed on a rear of the main unit 302 may couple with aplurality of second magnetic elements 404(1)-(4) (404(1) and 404(2) notshown in FIG. 4 ) disposed on a front of the face gasket 400. In thismanner, the face gasket 400 can be easily and conveniently secured in,or removed from, the rear of the main unit 302. The face gasket 400 maybe padded on a rear of the face gasket 400 to provide a comfortable fitwhen the HMD 100 is worn. As mentioned, extended periods of use of theHMD 100 may result in the material of particular components, such as theface gasket 400, absorbing bodily odors. As a result, a user may wish toremove the face gasket 400 at times, such as to “air out” the facegasket 400, to clean the face gasket 400, to replace the face gasket 400with a new face gasket, or the like. In some embodiments, a user maywish to interchange, or swap, the face gasket 400 with a different typeof face gasket (e.g., one with different features, profiles, contours,etc.). This allows for even further customization of the HMD 100 fordifferent users.

FIG. 5A illustrates a partial front and bottom view of the example HMD100 of FIG. 1 with a front portion of the HMD housing removed to revealcomponents of an interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment mechanism, theIPD adjustment mechanism being adjusted to a first end of an adjustmentrange in FIG. 5A, and to a second end of the adjustment range in FIG.5B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The IPDadjustment mechanism of the HMD 100 allows for adjusting the horizontalspacing between a pair of lens tubes of the HMD 100. FIGS. 6A and 6Bdepict example lens tubes 600(1) and 600(2) (sometimes referred toherein as “lens assemblies”) that may be brought closer together ormoved farther apart using the IPD adjustment mechanism to decrease orincrease, respectively, the horizontal spacing therebetween. Notably,the IPD adjustment mechanism described herein, among other things, isconvenient to operate while wearing the HMD 100, is operable using asingle hand or finger, and includes a double-biasing assembly to providesmooth, controlled operation of the IPD adjustment mechanism over anadjustment range. This allows for fine tuning the distance between thelens tubes 600(1) and 600(2) to correspond to the IPD of the user.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the IPD adjustment mechanism may comprisean actuator 500. The actuator 500 may be located on a bottom of the HMD100 towards (or within) a right half or a left half of the HMD 100.Although the actuator 500 can be implemented in any suitable way (e.g.,a rotatable knob, a lever, a depressible button that toggles betweenadjustment positions, etc.), the actuator 500 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5Bcomprises a knob that is slidable (or otherwise movable) within achannel 502 defined in the housing of the HMD 100. The actuator 500 isconfigured to be actuated by a user of the HMD 100 to adjust the spacingbetween the lens tubes 600(1) and 600(2) (as depicted in FIGS. 6A and6B). Accordingly, the actuator 500 is accessible from outside of thehousing of the HMD 100. In the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B, moving theactuator 500 to a first end of the channel 502 (e.g., as shown in FIG.5A) maximizes the horizontal distance (or spacing) between the pair oflens tubes 600 of the HMD 100. Moving the actuator 500 to a second endof the channel 502 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5B) that is opposite thefirst end of the channel 502 minimizes the horizontal distance (orspacing) between the pair of lens tubes 600 of the HMD 100. In thismanner, users with smaller IPDs can adjust the knob towards the secondend of the channel 502 (as shown in FIG. 5B), while users with largerIPDs can adjust the knob towards the first end of the channel 502 (asshown in FIG. 5A). Markings may be provided on the outer surface of theHMD housing along the channel 502 to indicate to a user that thehorizontal spacing between the lens tubes 600 is adjustable. Because theactuator 500 and channel 502 are located on either a right half or aleft half of the HMD 100, on the bottom of the HMD 100, a user caneasily and conveniently slide the actuator 500 within the channel 502using his/her right or left thumb (e.g., a single hand) to adjust thespacing between the lens tubes 600. The location of the actuator 500 andchannel 502, along with its ease of operation, allow the user to adjustthe lens tube 600 spacing with a single hand, and to do so while wearingthe HMD 100 so that the user does not have to take off the HMD 100 orhold it with two hands while adjusting the lens tube 600 spacing. Thisallows for attaining the optimal lens tube 600 spacing quicker becausethe user can wear the HMD 100 while adjusting the lens tube 600 spacingto determine, in real-time, which position of the actuator 500 isoptimal for them.

The IPD adjustment mechanism may include components internal to thehousing of the HMD 100 that allow for smooth and effortless operation ofIPD adjustment mechanism. For example, an end of the actuator 500 thatis internal to the HMD housing may be coupled to a movable elongatemember 504 at a first end of the elongate member 504. The elongatemember 504 may be horizontally oriented and adjacent to the bottom ofthe HMD 100, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. However, it is to beappreciated that other orientations of the elongate member 504 arepossible. A channel or slot may be defined in the elongate member 504adjacent to an end of the elongate member 504 that is coupled to theactuator 500, and an anchor 506 mounted to a midframe of the HMD 100 mayextend through the channel/slot of the elongate member 504 to allow theelongate member 504 to translate bidirectionally (e.g., in a first orsecond horizontal direction, when the HMD 100 is upright oriented) overthe adjustment range of the IPD adjustment mechanism. In this manner,the elongate member 504 is coupled to the midframe of the HMD 100 whilebeing movable bidirectionally.

A first end of a first biasing member 508 may be coupled to a first endof the elongate member 504, and a second end of the first biasing member508 may be coupled to the midframe of the HMD 100. Here the first end ofthe elongate member 504 (coupled to the first biasing member 508) isfarthest from the actuator 500 while a second end of the elongate member504 is closest to the actuator 500. The second end of the first biasingmember 508 may be attached to the midframe of the HMD 100 at a pointthat is closer to the actuator 500 than the first end of the elongatemember 504 is to the actuator 500. In this manner, the first biasingmember 508 is configured to physically bias the elongate member 504 in ahorizontal direction by applying a biasing force to the elongate member504 that resists the movement of the elongate member 504 in a directionof travel of the elongate member 504. In the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B,when the actuator 500 is moved from the left end of the channel 502 tothe right end of the channel 502 (from the perspective of FIGS. 5A and5B), the elongate member 504 is translated in a rightward direction oftravel, and the first biasing member 508 resists the rightward movementof the elongate member 504 due to a biasing force applied to theelongate member 504 in the leftward direction (from the perspective ofFIGS. 5A and 5B). In some embodiments, the first biasing member 508 is aspring whose biasing force on the elongate member 504 increases as theelongate member 504 is moved farther and farther in the rightwardhorizontal direction (from the perspective of FIGS. 5A and 5B). Thisbiasing force from the first biasing member 508 causes the slidingmovement of the actuator 500 within the channel 502 to be smooth, ratherthan a jerky movement, when the user slides the actuator 500 within thechannel 502. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more frictionmembers may aid in resisting the movement of the actuator 500 within thechannel 502 to make the movement smoother and more controlled to finetune the IPD adjustment with greater ease.

The elongate member 504 may include a plurality of teeth that span atleast a portion of the elongate member 504 on a top side of the elongatemember 504. The teeth of the elongate member 504 engage with teeth of arotatable gear 510 (sometimes referred to herein as a “spiral gear”)mounted to an axle on the midframe of the HMD 100. The gear 510 may bedisposed at or near a middle of the HMD 100 and between a pair ofmovable frames 516(1) and 516(2), which are coupled to the pair of lenstubes 600. The gear 510 may include a face having a pair of spiralprojections 512(1) and 512(2) extending from the face of the gear 510. Arod 514 (sometimes referred to herein as a “sliding rod”) may be coupledto the midframe of the HMD 100. The sliding rod 514 may be horizontallyoriented (when the HMD 100 is upright oriented) and may substantiallyspan a width of the HMD 100. As mentioned, each lens tube 600 of thepair of lens tubes 600 may be coupled to a corresponding movable frame516 within the HMD housing, and each movable frame 516 may include awing member 518 projecting from a back side of the moveable frame 516that is coupled to the sliding rod 514 (e.g., by the sliding rod 514passing through an aperture in the wing member 518). In this manner, thepair of lens tubes 600 may be coupled to the rod 514 via the movableframes 516. As shown in FIG. 5A, each wing member 518 may also include aprojection 519 that extends horizontally from the wing member 518towards the gear 510. The projection 519 that extends from the wingmember 518 engages one of the spiral projections 512 extending from theface of the gear 510. For example, a first projection 519(1) may extendfrom the wing member 518(1) and may engage the spiral projection 512(1),while a second projection 519(2) may extend from the wing member 518(2)and may engage the spiral projection 512(2).

A pair of second biasing members 520(1) and 520(2) may be coupled to thesliding rod 514. For example, the second biasing members 520 maycomprise springs that are placed over the sliding rod 514 and positionedbetween a stop 522 on the sliding rod 514 and the wing member 518 ofeach movable frame 516. FIGS. 5A and 5B show a first stop 522(1), and asecond biasing member 520(1) between the first stop 522(1) and the wingmember 518(1), as well as a second stop 522(2), and a second biasingmember 520(2) between the second stop 522(2) and the wing member 518(2).Each of the second biasing members 520 may be fixed in position relativeto the sliding rod 514 at one end of the second biasing member 520(e.g., at the stop 522 on the sliding rod 514), and the second biasingmembers 520 may apply a biasing force to the corresponding wing member518 that is coupled to the sliding rod 514, the biasing force beingapplied in a direction toward the gear 510 such that the projection 519that extends horizontally from the wing member 518 is physically biasedagainst the corresponding spiral projection 512 extending from the faceof the gear 510. Because the movable frames 516 are movablebidirectionally along the rod 514 between left and right sides of theHMD 100, the movable frames 516, and, hence, the lens tubes 600 coupledto the movable frames 516, are moved in response to actuation of theactuator 500.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a user can slide the actuator 500 of theIPD adjustment mechanism within the channel 502, which causes theelongate member 504 to translate in a first direction (e.g., a rightwarddirection from the perspective of FIGS. 5A and 5B). The teeth of theelongate member 504 that engage with teeth of the gear 510 cause thegear 510 to rotate. In a first rotational direction of the gear 510, thespiral projections 512 extending from the face of the gear 510 may applya force to the projections 519 extending from the wing members 518 ofthe movable frames 516 to move the movable frames 516 (and, hence, thelens tubes 600) farther apart to increase the spacing between the lenstubes 600 (as shown in FIG. 5A). In a second rotational direction of thegear 510, the pair of second biasing members 520 apply a biasing forceto the wing members 518 of the movable frames 516 to move the movableframes 516 (and, hence, the lens tubes 600) closer together to decreasethe spacing between the lens tubes 600 (as shown in FIG. 5B). This is,in part, due to the spiral projections 512 on the gear 510 spiralinginward from respective points at a periphery of the gear 510 torespective points closer to a center of the gear 510 than the respectivepoints at the periphery.

Notably, when the movable frames 516 (and, hence, the lens tubes 600)are moved farther apart, the pair of second biasing members 520 resistthe movement of the movable frames 516 in the respective directions oftravel of each movable frame 516. This causes the sliding movement ofthe actuator 500 within the channel 502 to be smooth and controlledmovement, rather than a jerky movement, when the user slides theactuator 500 within the channel 502. Thus, the first biasing member 508and the pair of second biasing members 520 work together to allow forsmooth and controlled sliding movement of the actuator 500 within thechannel 502 so that the user can fine-tune the IPD adjustment with ease,even while wearing the HMD 100. Additionally, or alternatively, one ormore friction members may also aid in resisting the movement of theactuator 500 within the channel 502 to make the movement smoother andeasier to fine tune the IPD adjustment. Due to the opposing biasingmembers and/or friction members, the actuator 500 is movable within thechannel 502 to any position within the channel 502, as desired by theuser, and when the user removes his/her finger from the actuator 500,the actuator 500 remains stationary at its current position within thechannel 502.

As depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, actuation of the actuator 500 causes acorresponding adjustment of the spacing between the lens tubes 600 ofthe HMD 100. For example, moving the actuator 500 to a first end of thechannel 502, as shown in FIG. 6A maximizes a horizontal distance(spacing) between the lens tube 600(1) and the lens tube 600(2). Thelens tubes 600 may be substantially aligned horizontally. In As shown inFIG. 6B, moving the actuator 500 to a second end of the channel 502minimizes the horizontal distance (spacing) between the lens tube 600(1)and the lens tube 600(2). Intermediate spacings can be achieved bymoving the actuator 500 to an intermediate position within the channel502. In this sense, the actuator 500 can be moved in a smooth,continuous movement along the channel 502, as opposed to discrete“clicks” between multiple adjustment positions, and the user feels abidirectional resistance in either direction the actuator 500 is moveddue to the double biasing assembly described herein.

FIG. 7A illustrates a partial front perspective view of the example HMD100 of FIG. 1 with a portion of the HMD housing removed to revealcomponents of a field of view (FOV) adjustment mechanism, the FOVadjustment mechanism being adjusted to a first end of an adjustmentrange in FIG. 7A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 7B shows the FOV adjustment mechanism being adjusted to a secondend of the adjustment range. The FOV adjustment mechanism depicted inFIGS. 7A and 7B allows for adjusting the spacing between the user's faceand the lenses or the lens tubes 600 (or display panels) of the HMD 100.This field of view (FOV) adjustment mechanism (sometimes referred toherein as an “eye-relief adjustment mechanism”), among other things, isconvenient to operate while wearing the HMD, is operable using a singlehand, and smoothly adjusts (e.g., increases or decreases) the distancebetween the lenses of the HMD 100 and the user's face over an adjustmentrange. The FOV adjustment mechanism may comprise an actuator 304disposed on a first side (of two sides; namely, right and left sides) ofthe HMD 100. In general, the actuator 304 is configured to be actuatedby a user of the HMD 304, and, accordingly, the actuator 304 isaccessible from outside of the HMD housing.

Although the actuator 304 is shown as a rotatable actuator (e.g., arotatable knob) in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the actuator 304 may include anysuitable adjustable element such as, without limitation, a dial, alever, a wheel, and/or a slider (or slidable knob). The actuator 304 maybe located where the head strap 300 adjoins the main unit 302 of the HMD100. The actuator 304 may be actuated (e.g., rotated) over an adjustmentrange such that the actuator can be actuated (e.g., rotated) in a firstdirection to a first end of the adjustment range to minimize thedistance (or spacing) between the lenses and the user's face, andactuated (e.g., rotated) in a second direction that is opposite thefirst direction to a second end of the adjustment range to maximize thedistance (or spacing) between the lenses and the user's face. In thismanner, the FOV and/or the eye relief can be optimized for differentusers. Markings may be provided on the outer surface of the HMD housingaround, or on, the actuator 304 to indicate to a user that the spacingbetween the lenses and the user's face is adjustable. Because theactuator 304 is located on one side (e.g., the right side or the leftside) of the HMD 100, a user can easily and conveniently actuate theactuator 304 using his/her right or left hand (e.g., a single hand) toadjust the spacing between the lenses and the user's face. The locationof the actuator 304, along with its ease of operation, allow the user toadjust the FOV and/or the eye relief with a single hand, and to do sowhile wearing the HMD 100 so that the user does not have to take off theHMD 100 or hold it with two hands while adjusting the FOV and/or eyerelief. This allows for attaining the optimal FOV and/or eye reliefquicker because the user can wear the HMD 100 while adjusting the FOVand/or eye relief to determine, in real-time, which position of theactuator 304 is optimal for them.

The FOV adjustment mechanism includes components internal to the housingof the HMD 100 that allow for uniform, smooth, controlled, and/oreffortless operation of FOV adjustment mechanism. The actuator 304(e.g., a rotatable knob), in addition to being rotatable, may bedepressible between a first position and a second position by pushing onthe actuator 304, much like a depressible button. A biasing member maybias the actuator 304 in an outward direction relative to the HMD 100such that, when a user is not pressing on the actuator 304, the actuator304 is physically biased in a first position where the actuator 304 isextended (i.e., not depressed). When the actuator 304 is extended, aprojection (or tooth) is engaged with a detent, of a plurality ofdetents internal to the actuator 304, which locks the actuator 304 inthe sense that the actuator 304 is prevented from being rotated ineither direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) over the adjustmentrange. A user can move the actuator 304 to a second position where theactuator 304 is depressed, which unlocks the actuator 304 by disengagingthe projection from a detent internal to eh actuator 304. In this secondposition, while depressing the actuator 304, the user can rotate theactuator 304 to adjust the spacing between the lenses and the user'sface, as needed. Upon letting go of the actuator 304, or relieving thepressure upon the actuator 304, the biasing member internal to theactuator 304 physically biases the actuator 304 in the extended, firstposition to engage the projection with a detent, which locks theactuator 304 in position (rotationally). This locking mechanism preventsunwanted adjustment of the spacing between the lenses and the user'sface, such as during gameplay when the user wants the FOV and/or eyerelief to remain fixed at a desired position.

The actuator 304 may cause rotation of a pair of gear assemblies on eachside of the HMD 100 that are connected by a connecting rod 706. The pairof gear assemblies allow for adjusting the lenses closer to, or fartherfrom the user's face. Specifically, the main unit 302 of the HMD 100 mayinclude a first portion that is coupled to the lens tubes 600, and asecond portion that is movable relative to the first portion. Forexample, the second portion of the HMD 100 may be the portion of themain unit 302 that is closer to (e.g., in contact with) the user's facewhile the user is wearing the HMD 100. Referring briefly to FIG. 3B,this second portion 314 is the portion of the main unit 302 that theactuator 304 is disposed on. The first portion 316 of the HMD 100 may bethe portion of the main unit 302 that is farther from (e.g., not incontact with) the user's face while the user is wearing the HMD 100. Forexample, the first portion 316 of the HMD 100 may include, withoutlimitation, the lens tubes 600, the display panels, a PCB withelectrical components mounted thereon, etc. These first and secondportions of the HMD 100 are movable bidirectionally, and relative toeach other by rotational actuation of the actuator 304.

A first gear assembly disposed on the same side of the HMD 100 as theactuator 304 may be coupled to the actuator 304 and to both the firstportion 316 of the HMD 100 and the second portion 314 of the HMD 100that are movable bidirectionally, and relative to each other. The firstgear assembly may include a first rotatable gear 702(1) having teeththat engage teeth of an elongate member 700(1). The elongate member's700(1) teeth may be disposed on a top side of the elongate member700(1). The elongate member 700(1) may be oriented such that theelongate member 700(1) extends in a direction from a back of the HMD 100to a front of the HMD 100. The elongate member 700(1) may be coupled to,or engaged with, the actuator 304, and the elongate member 700(2) mayalso be coupled to the second portion 314 of the HMD 100 that is closerto the user's face than the first portion 316 of the HMD 100. Becausethe elongate member 700(1) is coupled to the second portion 314 of theHMD 100, when the actuator 304 is rotated, the elongate member 700(1)translates forward or backward to cause second portion 314 of the HMD100 (the portion closer to the user's face) to translate forward orbackward relative to the first portion 316 of the HMD 100 (the portionfarther from the user's face that includes the lenses, the displays, andthe PCB.

The elongate member 700(1) may also include teeth that engage teeth ofthe first gear 702(1), the first gear 702(1) being mounted to an axle onthe midframe of the HMD 100. The first gear 702(1) of the first gearassembly engages with a second rotatable gear 704(1) of the first gearassembly, and the second gear 704(1) is coupled to the rod 706(sometimes referred to herein as a “connecting rod”). The connecting rod706 may be coupled to the midframe of the HMD, and the connecting rod706 may be horizontally oriented and may substantially span a width ofthe HMD 100. The connecting rod 706 also connects the first gearassembly to a second gear assembly, which is disposed on a second sideof the HMD 100 opposite the first side of the HMD 100 where the firstgear assembly is disposed. Rotation of the second gear 704(1) of thefirst gear assembly causes a corresponding rotation of the connectingrod 706.

The second gear assembly may include a third rotatable gear that iscoupled to the connecting rod 706, much like the second gear 704(1) ofthe first gear assembly is connected to the connecting rod 706 at theopposite end of the rod 706. Rotation of the connecting rod 706 causes acorresponding rotation of this third gear of the second gear assembly.This third gear of the second gear assembly engages with a fourthrotatable gear of the second gear assembly, the fourth gear of thesecond gear assembly much like the first gear 700(1) of the first gearassembly. Accordingly, the fourth gear of the second gear assembly maysimilarly be mounted to an axle on the midframe of the HMD 100. Teeth ofthe fourth gear engage with teeth of a second elongate member 700(2) ofthe second gear assembly. This second elongate member 700(2) may alsohave teeth on a top side of the elongate member 700(2), and the elongatemember 700(2) of the second gear assembly may similarly be attached tothe second portion 314 of the HMD 100 (the portion closer to the user'sface) that is movable relative to the first portion 316 of the HMD 100(the portion farther from the user's face that includes the lenses, thedisplays, and the PCB), except that the second elongate member 700(2) iscoupled to the second portion 314 of the HMD 100 on the opposite side ofthe second portion 314, as compared to the side where the first elongatemember 700(1) is coupled to the second portion 314 of the HMD 100.

Accordingly, as the actuator 304 is rotated, both elongate members700(1) and 700(2) of the respective gear assemblies translate forward orbackward, depending on the direction of rotation of the actuator 304, tocause the first and second portions of the HMD 100 to translate inopposite directions relative to each other, thereby adjusting the FOVand/or eye relief. For example, the first portion 316 of the HMD 100(the portion farther from the user's face that includes the lenses, thedisplays, and the PCB) may move relative to the second portion 314 ofthe HMD 100 (the portion closer to the user's face) in a first directionaway from the second portion 314, or in a second direction toward thesecond portion 314. Controlling the movement of these HMD portions usingelongate members 700(1) and 700(2) on opposing sides of the HMD 100 thatare connected by a connecting rod 706 allows for uniform translation ofthe first and second portions of the HMD 100 relative to each otherwithout any wobbling (or racking) of these portions as they translatebidirectionally forward and backward. This smooth, uniform adjustmentprovided by the FOV (or eye-relief) adjustment mechanism allows forconvenient operation by a user, using a single hand, while wearing theHMD 100.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of the example HMD 100 ofFIG. 1 , FIG. 8 depicting example locations of inconspicuousspectrum-transmissive windows 800(1)-(N) (collectively 800, N being anysuitable integer) in the housing of the HMD 100, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a pluralityof corresponding spectrum-specific sensors are mounted inside the HMDhousing behind the spectrum-transmissive windows 800 as shown by thedashed lines behind each window 800. The sensors within the HMD housingare sensitive to light in a specific spectrum. In some embodiments, thespectrum-transmissive windows 800 are infrared (IR)-transmissivewindows, and the spectrum-specific sensors positioned behind the windows800 are IR sensors (i.e., sensors configured to detect light in the IRspectrum). Although the examples herein predominantly pertain toIR-transmissive windows and IR sensors, it is to be appreciated that anymention herein of “IR-transmissive” may be replaced with“spectrum-transmissive” for spectrums other than the IR spectrum, and“IR sensors” may be replaced with “spectrum-specific sensors” todescribe sensors configured to detect electromagnetic radiation inspectrums other than the IR spectrum. Furthermore, instead of sensors, aplurality of corresponding spectrum-specific beacons may be mountedinside the HMD housing behind the spectrum-transmissive windows 800, thebeacons configured to emit light (electromagnetic radiation) in aspecific spectrum.

Accordingly, the HMD 100 may comprise a housing made of aspectrum-transmissive (IR-transmissive) material, wherein an outersurface of the housing is coated with an IR-opaque material, and whereinone or more locations on the outer surface are devoid of the IR-opaquematerial, the location(s) corresponding to the windows 800. One or morespectrum-specific sensors (and/or beacons) may be disposed behind thehousing at the one or more locations corresponding to the windows 800.In some embodiments, the outer surface of the HMD housing is also coatedwith a spectrum-transmissive coating that covers the spectrum-opaquematerial and the one or more locations on the outer surface that aredevoid of the spectrum-opaque material. Any suitable IR-transmissive andIR-opaque materials known to a person having ordinary skill in the artcan be used herein to create IR-transmissive windows 800 that allowelectromagnetic radiation (light) in the IR spectrum to passtherethrough. For example, IR-opaque materials may include acrylics orpaints that are configured to block electromagnetic radiation in the IRspectrum. An IR-transmissive polycarbonate plastic can be used for thebased material of the HMD housing.

The thickness of the housing at the location(s) of the window(s) 800 maybe thinner than a thickness of the remainder of the HMD housing. In thismanner, if sensors are mounted to an inner surface of the HMD housingdirectly behind the windows 800, the sensors can be brought closer tothe outer surface of the HMD housing to minimize the size of the window800. That said, the size of each spectrum-transmissive window 800 may beconfigurable based on the tolerances for placement of the correspondingsensor behind the spectrum-transmissive window 800. In some embodiments,a spectrum-specific sensor is mounted inside the HMD housing usingadhesive behind a corresponding spectrum-transmissive window 800. Thespectrum-transmissive window 800 may be configured to filter out (orblock) electromagnetic radiation in at least one spectrum (e.g., thevisible spectrum), while allowing electromagnetic radiation in aspecific spectrum (e.g., light in the IR spectrum) to pass through thewindow 800.

As shown in FIG. 8 , a plurality of spectrum-transmissive windows 800may be provided on the housing of the HMD 100. At least some of theplurality of spectrum-transmissive windows 800 may be located on a frontof the HMD 100 along a top, along a bottom, and/or along one or moresides of the front of the HMD 100. At least some of the windows 800 maybe located on a top of the HMD 100, a bottom of the HMD 100, and/or onone or more sides of the HMD 100, as shown in FIG. 8 . Covering the HMD100 in this manner provides for optimal tracking using an opticaltracking system, which may include one or more beacons that emitelectromagnetic radiation in the specific spectrum. For example, one ormore beacons positioned in an environment of the HMD 100 may sweep beams(e.g., fan beams) of IR light across a play space, and the IR sensorsdisposed inside the HMD housing behind the IR-transmissive windows 800may detect the beam sweeps, and possibly synchronization pulses emittedby the optical tracking system.

The processes described herein are illustrated as a collection of blocksin a logical flow graph, which represent a sequence of operations. Theorder in which the operations are described is not intended to beconstrued as a limitation, and any number of the described blocks can becombined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the processes.

To process for manufacturing a HMD housing that includes a plurality ofspectrum-transmissive windows 800 may include, at 902, forming a HMDhousing made of a spectrum-transmissive material (e.g., anIR-transmissive polycarbonate plastic). As shown by sub-block 904,forming the housing may include injection molding the HMD housing usingan injection molding technique.

At 906, material may be removed from the inner surface of the HMDhousing at the locations where spectrum-transmissive windows 800 are tobe made. This removal of material decreases the thickness of the HMDhousing only at the locations where the spectrum-specific sensors(and/or beacons) are to be positioned (e.g., mounted), thereby allowingthe sensors/beacons to be brought closer to the outer surface of the HMDhousing when positioned next to (e.g., mounted on) the inner surface ofthe HMD housing, behind the spectrum-transmissive windows 800.Positioning the sensors closer to the outer surface in this mannerallows for achieving a field of view (FOV) for the sensors withparticular angular range while minimizing the size of thespectrum-transmissive windows 800. In some embodiments, removingmaterial from the inner surface creates recessions in the HMD housingwhere the sensors/beacons are to be positioned (e.g., mounted). Removingmaterial from the inner surface of the HMD housing also allows forkeeping the outer surface flat and smooth (as opposed to creatingrecessions in the outer surface of the HMD housing).

At 908, the outer surface of the HMD housing can be painted with aspectrum-opaque material (e.g., coating the outer surface of the housingwith an IR-opaque film). This may include painting substantially theentirety of the outer surface of the HMD housing to cover the outersurface with the spectrum-opaque material.

At 910, the spectrum-opaque material can be selectively removed from theouter surface at locations behind which the sensors/beacons are to bemounted. This creates spectrum-transmissive windows 800 in the HMDhousing. As shown by sub-block 912, the selective material removal mayinclude removing the spectrum-opaque material using a laser etchingtechnique. In some embodiments, a circular portion of spectrum-opaquematerial is removed to create a circular spectrum-transmissive window800 (sometimes referred to herein as an “aperture”) in the HMD housing.In some embodiments, a photolithography process can be used at block 910to remove the spectrum-opaque material from the outer surface at thelocations of the sensors/beacons. In some embodiments, removingspectrum-opaque material at block 910 can include placing stickers onthe outer surface of the HMD housing at locations where thespectrum-transmissive windows 800 are to be made prior to block 908,then painting the outer surface of the HMD housing with thespectrum-opaque material at block 908, and removing the stickers atblock 910 to selectively remove the spectrum-opaque material at thesticker locations to create spectrum-transmissive windows 800 where thestickers were located. In some embodiments, a fixture having a patternof pins can be moved to a position where the pins are brought intocontact with the outer surface of the HMD housing prior to block 908,and, while the pins are contacting the outer surface, painting the outersurface of the HMD housing with the spectrum-opaque material at block908, and, removing the pins from the HMD housing at block 910 toselectively “remove” the spectrum-opaque material at the locations wherethe pins were located to create spectrum-transmissive windows 800 atthose locations. Yet another way of creating spectrum-transmissivewindows 800 may be to apply an oleophobic coating on the HMD housing ina particular pattern prior to block 908, then paint the outer surface ofthe HMD housing with the spectrum-opaque material at block 908, at whichpoint the spectrum-opaque material adheres to portions of the outersurface that are free from the oleophobic coating, and does not adhereto portions of the outer surface that are coated with the oleophobiccoating.

At 914, after removing the spectrum-opaque material at selectivelocations, the outer surface of the HMD housing may be painted with aspectrum-transmissive coating (e.g., a hard, clear coat material (orfilm) that is IR-transmissive) to create a HMD housing with a smoothouter surface and spectrum-transmissive windows 800 that are barelyvisible to the naked eye, even in broad daylight. In low-lightenvironments, the spectrum-transmissive windows 800 are at leastinconspicuous, if not invisible to the naked eye, and the outer surfaceof the HMD housing has a smooth appearance.

The disclosed process for manufacturing a HMD housing that includes aplurality of spectrum-transmissive windows 800 is more cost effectivethan manufacturing a similar HMD housing using a so-called “double shot”injection molding process, which involves fabricating a majority of theHMD housing from IR-opaque plastic, and fabricating small portions ofthe HMD housing from IR-transmissive plastic to create windows over IRsensors mounted inside the HMD housing. By contrast, the disclosedmanufacturing process for creating spectrum-transmissive (e.g.,IR-transmissive) windows 800 on a HMD housing involves using a generallyspectrum-transmissive material as the base material for the HMD housing,and then coating the majority of the HMD housing with an spectrum-opaquematerial, which is more cost effective way, as compared to thedouble-shot process, to manufacture a HMD housing that includes aplurality of spectrum-transmissive windows 800. Since the HMD housing ismade from a spectrum-transmissive material, some light of the specificspectrum (e.g., IR light, if the specific spectrum is the IR spectrum)may pass through a spectrum-transmissive window 800 to the underlyingsensor while some light of the specific spectrum may be internallyreflected within the HMD housing itself. As a result, there is apossibility that some light of the specific spectrum received throughone spectrum-transmissive window 800(1) may reach a nearby sensor (e.g.,a sensor behind window 800(2)) due to these internal reflections. Tomitigate the impact of internally reflected light of the specificspectrum on a nearby spectrum-specific sensor, the spectrum-transmissivematerial used as the base material for the HMD housing may be modifiedwith an additive material that makes the HMD housing slightly moreabsorptive of the light of the specific spectrum (e.g., slightly more IRabsorptive), which mitigates the extent of internal reflections.

Another way of manufacturing a HMD housing that includes a plurality ofspectrum-transmissive windows involves using a so-called “in-moldlabel.” For example, a spectrum-transmissive ink (e.g., IR-transmissiveink) can be printed on a plastic sheet in a particular patterncorresponding to the positioning of the spectrum-transmissive windows onthe to-be-formed HMD housing, the sheet with the spectrum-transmissiveink printed thereon can be thermoformed into a desired shape for the HMDhousing, and then a spectrum-opaque material can be over-molded onto thethermoformed sheet to create a HMD housing with spectrum-transmissivewindows. Yet another way of manufacturing a HMD housing that includes aplurality of spectrum-transmissive windows involves a so-called “laserdirect structuring” technique. For example, a HMD housing may beinjection molded, and a laser beam may be used to create a recessedpattern in the HMD housing, and a metallization process may plate ametal onto the recessed pattern in the HMD housing to createspectrum-transmissive windows in the HMD housing.

As mentioned, the thickness of the HMD housing at the locations of thespectrum-transmissive windows 800 may be made as thin as possible (e.g.,by using a subtractive manufacturing process that removes material fromthe inner surface of the HMD housing at those locations) while aremainder of the HMD housing can maintain a greater thickness to providerigidity to the HMD housing. Having locally-thinned portions of the HMDhousing where the spectrum-specific sensors/beacons are located meansthat the sensors can be positioned closer to the outer surface of theHMD housing, which reduces the amount of refraction and the amount ofoptical artifacts as light of the specific spectrum passes through thespectrum-transmissive windows 800. Because the sensors/beacons disposedbehind the windows 800 can be used in an optical tracking system thattracks the pose of the HMD 100 as it moves within a volume, thereduction of refraction and optical artifacts means that a more accuratespectrum-specific (e.g., IR) beam sweep window is achieved. Furthermore,the size of the spectrum-transmissive windows may restrict the angularrange over which each spectrum-specific sensor receives light of thespecific spectrum, and/or the angular range over which aspectrum-specific beacon can emit light of the specific spectrum. Insome embodiments, the spectrum-transmissive windows 800 are sized suchthat the sensors receive, and/or the beacons emit, light of the specificspectrum over an angular range of about 120 degrees. A goal may be tomake the size of each spectrum-transmissive window 800 as small aspossible (e.g., for aesthetic purposes), without overly restricting theangular range over which the sensor receives, and/or the beacon emits,the light of the specific spectrum. In some embodiments, the diameter ofan individual spectrum-transmissive window may be within a range of 4millimeters to 7 millimeters, or within a range of 6 millimeters to 6.5millimeters.

It is to be appreciated that optical tracking of the HMD 100 is merelyone example use of the spectrum-specific sensors/beacons and thespectrum-transmissive windows 800 described herein. For example, aspectrum-specific camera (e.g., an IR camera) may be mounted internallywithin the HMD housing and underlying a spectrum-transmissive window toremain inconspicuous when the HMD 100 is fully assembled. Such camerasmay be tracking cameras, or any other type of sensor that is configuredto detect electromagnetic radiation of a specific spectrum.

The foregoing may also be understood in view of the following clauses:

1. A head-mounted display (HMD) comprising:

a rod coupled to a midframe of the HMD;

a first movable frame coupled to the rod and to a first lens tube, thefirst movable frame being movable bidirectionally along the rod in afirst direction toward a left side of the HMD or in a second directiontoward a right side of the HMD;

a second movable frame coupled to the rod and to a second lens tube, thesecond movable frame being movable bidirectionally along the rod in thefirst direction or in the second direction;

an actuator on a bottom of the HMD, the actuator configured to beactuated by a user of the HMD;

a movable elongate member coupled to the actuator and to the midframe,the movable elongate member being movable bidirectionally in the firstdirection or in the second direction;

a first biasing member coupled to the movable elongate member and to themidframe, the first biasing member configured to physically bias themovable elongate member in at least one of the first direction or thesecond direction;

a rotatable gear coupled to the midframe and disposed between the firstmovable frame and the second movable frame, the rotatable gear beingengaged with the movable elongate member;

a second biasing member coupled to the rod, the second biasing memberconfigured to physically bias the first movable frame against a firstspiral projection extending from a face of the rotatable gear; and

a third biasing member coupled to the rod, the third biasing memberconfigured to physically bias the second movable frame against a secondspiral projection extending from the face of the rotatable gear,

wherein actuation of the actuator causes movement of the movableelongate member in one of the first direction or the second direction,which causes the rotatable gear to rotate, which causes the firstmovable frame and the second movable frame to move in oppositedirections for adjusting a spacing between the first lens tube and thesecond lens tube.

2. The HMD of clause 1, wherein the actuator comprises a knob that isslidable within a channel defined in a housing of the HMD.

3. The HMD of clause 1, wherein the actuator is located on at least oneof a right half of the HMD or a left half of the HMD.

4. The HMD of clause 1, wherein the first spiral projection and thesecond spiral projection spiral inward from respective points at aperiphery of the rotatable gear to respective points closer to a centerof the rotatable gear than the respective points at the periphery.

5. The HMD of clause 1, wherein:

the first movable frame includes a first wing member projecting from aback side of the first movable frame, the first wing member including afirst aperture;

the first movable frame is coupled to the rod by the rod passing throughthe first aperture in the wing member;

the second movable frame includes a second wing member projecting from aback side of the second movable frame, the second wing member includinga second aperture; and

the second movable frame is coupled to the rod by the rod passingthrough the second aperture in the wing member.

6. A head-mounted display (HMD) comprising:

a pair of lens tubes, the pair of lens tubes comprising a first lenstube and a second lens tube;

a rod coupled to a midframe of the HMD;

a pair of movable frames that are coupled to the pair of lens tubes,each movable frame being movable bidirectionally along the rod in afirst direction toward a left side of the HMD or in a second directiontoward a right side of the HMD;

an actuator accessible from outside of a housing of the HMD;

a movable elongate member coupled to the actuator and to the midframe;

a first biasing member coupled to the movable elongate member and to themidframe, the first biasing member configured to resist movement of themovable elongate member in a direction of travel of the elongate member;

a rotatable gear coupled to the midframe and disposed between the pairof movable frames, the rotatable gear being engaged with the movableelongate member; and

a pair of second biasing members coupled to the rod, the pair of secondbiasing members configured to physically bias the pair of movable framesagainst a pair of spiral projections extending from a face of therotatable gear.

7. The HMD of clause 6, wherein the actuator comprises a knob that isslidable within a channel defined in the housing of the HMD.

8. The HMD of clause 6, wherein the actuator is located on at least oneof a right half of the HMD or a left half of the HMD.

9. The HMD of clause 6, wherein the pair of spiral projections spiralinward from respective points at a periphery of the rotatable gear torespective points closer to a center of the rotatable gear than therespective points at the periphery.

10. The HMD of clause 6, wherein:

each movable frame of the pair of movable frames includes a wing memberprojecting from a back side of the movable frame, the wing memberincluding an aperture; and

the rod passes through the aperture in the wing member of each movableframe.

11. The HMD of clause 10, wherein the pair of second biasing members aresprings that are disposed on the rod, each spring extending between astop coupled to the rod and the wing member of a corresponding one ofthe pair of movable frames.

12. The HMD of clause 6, wherein the movable elongate member is coupledto the midframe by an anchor that extends through a channel defined inthe movable elongate member.

13. A wearable display comprising:

a rod coupled to a midframe of the wearable display;

a pair of movable frames that are coupled to a pair of lens assembliesand are movable bidirectionally along the rod in a first directiontoward a left side of the wearable display or in a second directiontoward a right side of the wearable display;

an actuator accessible from outside of a housing of the wearabledisplay;

a movable elongate member coupled to the actuator and to the midframe;

a first biasing member coupled to the movable elongate member and to themidframe, the first biasing member configured to resist movement of themovable elongate member in a direction of travel of the elongate member;

a rotatable gear coupled to the midframe and disposed between the pairof movable frames, the rotatable gear being engaged with the movableelongate member and having a face with a pair of spiral projectionsextending from the face of the rotatable gear; and

a pair of second biasing members coupled to the rod, the pair of secondbiasing members configured to physically bias the pair of movable framesagainst the pair of spiral projections.

14. The wearable display of clause 13, wherein the actuator comprises aknob that is movable within a channel defined in the housing of thewearable display.

15. The wearable display of clause 14, wherein movement of the knob to afirst end of the channel minimizes a spacing between the pair of lensassemblies, and movement of the knob to a second end of the channelmaximizes the spacing.

16. The wearable display of clause 13, wherein the actuator is locatedon at least one of a right half of the wearable display or a left halfof the wearable display.

17. The wearable display of clause 13, wherein:

each movable frame of the pair of movable frames includes a wing memberprojecting from a back side of the movable frame, the wing memberincluding an aperture; and

the rod passes through the aperture in the wing member of each movableframe.

18. The wearable display of clause 17, wherein the pair of secondbiasing members are springs that are disposed on the rod, each springextending between a stop coupled to the rod and the wing member of acorresponding one of the pair of movable frames.

19. The wearable display of clause 13, wherein the movable elongatemember is coupled to the midframe by an anchor that extends through achannel defined in the movable elongate member.

20. The wearable display of clause 13, wherein the first biasing memberis a spring that is coupled to a first end of the movable elongatemember that is farthest from the actuator, and wherein the spring iscoupled to the midframe at a point that is closer to the actuator thanthe first end of the movable elongate member is to the actuator.

21. A head-mounted display (HMD) comprising:

a pair of lens tubes coupled to a first portion of the HMD;

an actuator disposed on a first side of the HMD, the actuator configuredto be actuated by a user of the HMD;

a first gear assembly disposed on the first side of the HMD and coupledto the actuator, to the first portion of the HMD, and to a secondportion of the HMD, the second portion of the HMD being movablebidirectionally relative to the first portion of the HMD;

a second gear assembly disposed on a second side of the HMD opposite thefirst side of the HMD and coupled to the first portion of the HMD and tothe second portion of the HMD; and

a rod connecting the first gear assembly to the second gear assembly,

wherein actuation of the actuator causes movement of the first portionof the HMD relative to the second portion of the HMD in a firstdirection away from the second portion of the HMD or in a seconddirection toward the second portion of the HMD.

22. The HMD of clause 21, wherein:

the first gear assembly comprises a first elongate member coupled to thesecond portion of the HMD and to the actuator, the first elongate membermovable bidirectionally in the first direction or the second direction;and

the second gear assembly comprises a second elongate member coupled tothe second portion of the HMD, the second elongate member movablebidirectionally in the first direction or in the second direction.

23. The HMD of clause 22, wherein:

the first gear assembly further comprises a first rotatable gear and asecond rotatable gear;

the first elongate member is engaged with the first rotatable gear;

the first rotatable gear is engaged with the second rotatable gear;

the second rotatable gear is coupled to the rod;

the second gear assembly further comprises a third rotatable gear and afourth rotatable gear;

the third rotatable gear is coupled to the rod;

the third rotatable gear is engaged with the fourth rotatable gear; and

the fourth rotatable gear is engaged with the second elongate member.

24. The HMD of clause 22, wherein:

the first elongate member comprises a first plurality of teeth on a topside of the first elongate member that are engaged with teeth of thefirst rotatable gear; and

the second elongate member comprises a second plurality of teeth on atop side of the second elongate member that are engaged with teeth ofthe fourth rotatable gear.

25. The HMD of clause 21, wherein the actuator is a rotatable knob.

26. The HMD of clause 25, wherein:

the rotatable knob is depressible between a first position where therotatable knob is not depressed and a second position where therotatable is depressed;

the rotatable knob is physically biased in the first position by abiasing member;

a detent is engaged by a projection while the rotatable knob is in thefirst position to prevent the rotatable knob from being rotated; and

the rotatable knob is rotatable while the rotatable knob is in thesecond position such that the projection is not engaged with the detent,or a different detent.

27. A head-mounted display (HMD) comprising:

a pair of lens assemblies coupled to a first portion of the HMD;

an actuator disposed on a first side of the HMD, the actuator accessiblefrom outside of a housing of the HMD; and

a pair of gear assemblies disposed on opposite sides of the HMD,connected by a connecting rod, and coupled to a second portion of theHMD that is movable relative to the first portion of the HMD, wherein agear assembly of the pair of gear assemblies that is disposed on thefirst side is further coupled to the actuator.

28. The HMD of clause 27, wherein:

the gear assembly disposed on the first side is a first gear assemblycomprising a first elongate member coupled to the second portion of theHMD and to the actuator, the first elongate member movablebidirectionally in a first direction from a front of the HMD towards aback of the HMD, or in a second direction from the back of the HMDtowards the front of the HMD; and

the second gear assembly comprises a second elongate member coupled tothe second portion of the HMD, the second elongate member movablebidirectionally in the first direction or in the second direction.

29. The HMD of clause 28, wherein:

the first gear assembly further comprises a first rotatable gear and asecond rotatable gear;

the first elongate member is engaged with the first rotatable gear;

the first rotatable gear is engaged with the second rotatable gear;

the second rotatable gear is coupled to the connecting rod;

the second gear assembly further comprises a third rotatable gear and afourth rotatable gear;

the third rotatable gear is coupled to the connecting rod;

the third rotatable gear is engaged with the fourth rotatable gear; and

the fourth rotatable gear is engaged with the second elongate member.

30. The HMD of clause 28, wherein:

the first elongate member comprises a first plurality of teeth on a topside of the first elongate member that are engaged with teeth of thefirst rotatable gear; and

the second elongate member comprises a second plurality of teeth on atop side of the second elongate member that are engaged with teeth ofthe fourth rotatable gear.

31. The HMD of clause 27, wherein the actuator is a rotatable knob.

32. The HMD of clause 31, wherein:

the rotatable knob is depressible between a first position where therotatable knob is not depressed and a second position where therotatable is depressed;

the rotatable knob is physically biased in the first position by abiasing member;

a detent is engaged by a projection while the rotatable knob is in thefirst position to prevent the rotatable knob from being rotated; and

the rotatable knob is rotatable while the rotatable knob is in thesecond position such that the projection is not engaged with the detent,or a different detent.

33. A wearable display comprising:

a pair of lens assemblies coupled to a first portion of the wearabledisplay;

a rotatable knob disposed on a first side of the wearable display, therotatable knob accessible from outside of a housing of the wearabledisplay; and

a pair of gear assemblies disposed on opposite sides of the wearabledisplay, connected by a connecting rod, and coupled to a second portionof the wearable display that is movable relative to the first portion ofthe wearable display, wherein a gear assembly of the pair of gearassemblies that is disposed on the first side is further coupled to therotatable knob.

34. The wearable display of clause 33, wherein:

the gear assembly disposed on the first side is a first gear assemblycomprising a first elongate member coupled to the second portion of thewearable display and to the rotatable knob, the first elongate membermovable bidirectionally in a first direction from a front of thewearable display towards a back of the wearable display, or in a seconddirection from the back of the wearable display towards the front of thewearable display; and

the second gear assembly comprises a second elongate member coupled tothe second portion of the wearable display, the second elongate membermovable bidirectionally in the first direction or in the seconddirection.

35. The wearable display of clause 34, wherein:

the first gear assembly further comprises a first rotatable gear and asecond rotatable gear;

the first elongate member is engaged with the first rotatable gear;

the first rotatable gear is engaged with the second rotatable gear;

the second rotatable gear is coupled to the connecting rod;

the second gear assembly further comprises a third rotatable gear and afourth rotatable gear;

the third rotatable gear is coupled to the connecting rod;

the third rotatable gear is engaged with the fourth rotatable gear; and

the fourth rotatable gear is engaged with the second elongate member.

36. The wearable display of clause 34, wherein:

the first elongate member comprises a first plurality of teeth on a topside of the first elongate member that are engaged with teeth of thefirst rotatable gear; and

the second elongate member comprises a second plurality of teeth on atop side of the second elongate member that are engaged with teeth ofthe fourth rotatable gear.

37. The wearable display of clause 33, wherein the second portion of thewearable display is closer to a face of the user when the user iswearing the wearable display, and the first portion of the wearabledisplay is farther from the face of the user when the user is wearingthe wearable display.

38. The wearable display of clause 33, wherein:

the rotatable knob is depressible between a first position where therotatable knob is not depressed and a second position where therotatable is depressed; and

the rotatable knob is physically biased in the first position by abiasing member.

39. The wearable display of clause 38, wherein:

a detent is engaged by a projection while the rotatable knob is in thefirst position to prevent the rotatable knob from being rotated; and

the rotatable knob is rotatable while the rotatable knob is in thesecond position such that the projection is not engaged with the detent,or a different detent.

40. The wearable display of clause 33, wherein a spacing between a faceof a user of the wearable display and the pair of lens assemblies isadjustable using the rotatable knob while the user is wearing thewearable display without the user having to actuate any additionalactuators.

41. A head-mounted display (HMD) comprising:

a housing made of an infrared (IR)-transmissive material, wherein anouter surface of the housing is coated with an IR-opaque material, andwherein one or more locations on the outer surface are devoid of theIR-opaque material to provide one or more IR-transmissive windows on thehousing; and

one or more IR sensors are disposed inside the housing behind the one ormore IR-transmissive windows.

42. The HMD of clause 41, wherein the outer surface is coated with anIR-transmissive coating that substantially covers the IR-opaque materialand the one or more locations on the outer surface that are devoid ofthe IR-opaque material.

43. The HMD of clause 41, wherein a thickness of the housing at the oneor more locations is thinner than a thickness of a remainder of thehousing.

44. The HMD of clause 41, wherein the one or more IR sensors are mountedto an inner surface of the housing behind the one or more locations onthe outer surface.

45. The HMD of clause 41, wherein the one or more locations on the outersurface that are devoid of the IR-opaque material are circular in shapeto provide circular IR-transmissive windows in the housing.

45. The HMD of clause 41, wherein the housing is the housing of a mainunit of the HMD, and the housing includes a plurality of IR-transmissivewindows.

46. The HMD of clause 45, wherein at least some of the IR-transmissivewindows are located on front of the HMD.

47. A method of manufacturing a head-mounted display (HMD) having atleast one window that allows electromagnetic radiation in a specificspectrum to pass through the at least one window, the method comprising:

forming a housing for the HMD out of a first material that is configuredto allow the electromagnetic radiation in the specific spectrum to passtherethrough;

painting an outer surface of the housing with a second material that isconfigured to block the electromagnetic radiation in the specificspectrum; and

removing the second material from at least one location on the outersurface.

48. The method of clause 47, wherein removing the second materialcomprises laser etching the second material away from the outer surface.

49. The method of clause 47, further comprising removing material froman inner surface of the housing behind the at least one location on theouter surface to decrease a thickness of the housing at the at least onelocation.

50. The method of clause 47, further comprising coating the outersurface with the first material or a third material that is configuredto allow the electromagnetic radiation in the specific spectrum to passtherethrough.

51. The method of clause 47, wherein forming the housing comprisesinjection molding the housing.

52. The method of clause 47, further comprising mounting at least onesensor configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation in thespecific spectrum on an inner surface of the housing behind the at leastone location on the outer surface.

53. The method of clause 47, further comprising mounting at least onebeacon configured to emit the electromagnetic radiation in the specificspectrum on an inner surface of the housing behind the at least onelocation on the outer surface.

54. The method of clause 47, wherein the specific spectrum is theinfrared (IR) spectrum.

55. The method of clause 54, wherein the first material comprises anIR-transmissive polycarbonate plastic.

56. An electronic device comprising:

a housing made of a spectrum-transmissive material that is configured toallow electromagnetic radiation in a specific spectrum to passtherethrough, wherein an outer surface of the housing is coated with anspectrum-opaque material that is configured to block the electromagneticradiation in the specific spectrum, and wherein one or more locations onthe outer surface are devoid of the spectrum-opaque material to provideone or more spectrum-transmissive windows on the housing; and

one or more spectrum-specific components disposed inside the housingbehind the one or more spectrum-transmissive windows.

57. The electronic device of clause 56, wherein the outer surface iscoated with a spectrum-transmissive coating that substantially coversthe spectrum-opaque material and the one or more locations on the outersurface that are devoid of the spectrum-opaque material.

58. The electronic device of clause 56, wherein the one or morespectrum-specific components are at least one of sensors that detect theelectromagnetic radiation in the specific spectrum, or beacons that emitthe electromagnetic radiation in the specific spectrum.

59. The electronic device of clause 56, wherein a thickness of thehousing at the one or more locations is thinner than a thickness of aremainder of the housing.

60. The electronic device of clause 56, the specific spectrum is theinfrared (IR) spectrum.

CONCLUSION

While various examples and embodiments are described individuallyherein, the examples and embodiments may be combined, rearranged andmodified to arrive at other variations within the scope of thisdisclosure. In addition, although the subject matter has been describedin language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts,it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appendedclaims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actsdescribed. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed asillustrative forms of implementing the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A head-mounted display (HMD) comprising: ahousing made of an infrared (IR)-transmissive material, wherein an outersurface of the housing is coated with an IR-opaque material, and whereinone or more locations on the outer surface are devoid of the IR-opaquematerial to provide one or more IR-transmissive windows on the housing;and one or more IR sensors disposed inside the housing behind the one ormore IR-transmissive windows.
 2. The HMD of claim 1, wherein the outersurface is coated with an IR-transmissive coating that substantiallycovers the IR-opaque material and the one or more locations.
 3. The HMDof claim 1, wherein a thickness of the housing at the one or morelocations is thinner than a thickness of a remainder of the housing. 4.The HMD of claim 1, wherein the one or more IR sensors are mounted to aninner surface of the housing behind the one or more locations.
 5. TheHMD of claim 1, wherein the one or more locations are circular in shapeto provide one or more circular IR-transmissive windows on the housing.6. The HMD of claim 1, wherein the one or more IR-transmissive windowscomprise a plurality of IR-transmissive windows.
 7. The HMD of claim 6,wherein at least some of the plurality of IR-transmissive windows arelocated on a front of the HMD.
 8. A method of manufacturing ahead-mounted display (HMD) having at least one window that allowselectromagnetic radiation in a specific spectrum to pass through the atleast one window, the method comprising: forming a housing for the HMDout of a first material that is configured to allow the electromagneticradiation in the specific spectrum to pass therethrough; painting anouter surface of the housing with a second material that is configuredto block the electromagnetic radiation in the specific spectrum; andremoving the second material from at least one location on the outersurface.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein removing the second materialcomprises laser etching the second material away from the outer surface.10. The method of claim 8, further comprising removing material from aninner surface of the housing behind the at least one location todecrease a thickness of the housing at the at least one location. 11.The method of claim 8, further comprising coating the outer surface withthe first material or a third material that is configured to allow theelectromagnetic radiation in the specific spectrum to pass therethrough.12. The method of claim 8, further comprising mounting at least onesensor configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation in thespecific spectrum on an inner surface of the housing behind the at leastone location.
 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising mounting atleast one beacon configured to emit the electromagnetic radiation in thespecific spectrum on an inner surface of the housing behind the at leastone location.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein the specific spectrumis the infrared (IR) spectrum.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein thefirst material comprises an IR-transmissive polycarbonate plastic. 16.An electronic device comprising: a housing made of aspectrum-transmissive material that is configured to allowelectromagnetic radiation in a specific spectrum to pass therethrough,wherein an outer surface of the housing is coated with a spectrum-opaquematerial that is configured to block the electromagnetic radiation inthe specific spectrum, and wherein one or more locations on the outersurface are devoid of the spectrum-opaque material to provide one ormore spectrum-transmissive windows on the housing; and one or morespectrum-specific components disposed inside the housing behind the oneor more spectrum-transmissive windows.
 17. The electronic device ofclaim 16, wherein the outer surface is coated with aspectrum-transmissive coating that substantially covers thespectrum-opaque material and the one or more locations.
 18. Theelectronic device of claim 16, wherein the one or more spectrum-specificcomponents are at least one of sensors that detect the electromagneticradiation in the specific spectrum, or beacons that emit theelectromagnetic radiation in the specific spectrum.
 19. The electronicdevice of claim 16, wherein a thickness of the housing at the one ormore locations is thinner than a thickness of a remainder of thehousing.
 20. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the specificspectrum is the infrared (IR) spectrum.